The heatwave in Scotland is upon us as the weather is expected to see scorching temperatures up to 30C early this week.
The Met Office has issued an amber warning covering parts of the central belt and southern Scotland.
The amber warning, which is in force Monday and Tuesday, July 18 and 19, warns of 'extreme heat' and warns of adverse health effects affecting the wider population and particularly vulnerable people.
Temperatures are set to rise 'rapidly' on Monday under strong sunshine as the hottest weather will come on Tuesday.
The mercury in parts of the country is forecast to reach 30C or higher, with BBC Scotland forecaster Joy Dunlop reporting that the scorching weather could potentially break records.
Where will see the hottest temperatures in Scotland?
Tuesday will see the highest temperatures and could challenge all-time records of 32.9 degrees which were recorded in 2003.
The Met Office warning covers southern parts of Scotland including eastern parts of Dumfries and Galloway, much of the Scottish Borders and also parts of East Ayrshire, South Lanarkshire and Midlothian. Temperatures in these areas could reach 30C.
The central belt of Scotland is to hit around 28C or 29C on Tuesday, but could exceed 30s especially on the east.
A spokesperson for the Met Office said: “There is an amber ‘extreme heat’ weather warning in place for Dumfries and Galloway and parts of the Borders for Sunday and Monday, which possibly may need to be pulled a bit further north to include parts of eastern Scotland such as Edinburgh and towards Perth and Dundee. High temperatures are expected.
“Portugal set a new July record at 47 degrees on Thursday and we’ve had temperatures over 45 in Spain and into the low 40s in France so it’s not just the UK that has hot weather on the cards.
“On Sunday, Scotland could see temperatures about 26 or 27 degrees in southern parts which on Monday will climb up a notch to 29 near the borders and central Scotland seeing around 27 degrees.
“The peak of the heat will be Tuesday for Scotland, especially the eastern side of the country where it could hit well into the low 30s, certainly challenging Scotland’s all time record.”
Even in places that won't be quite as warm, the weather is expected to be unseasonably hot.
The Met Office said: "Further north, eastern areas of Scotland could see temperatures in in the high 20C in a few places, well above their average for the time of year."
The forecaster warned that the two-day heatwave will have widespread impact on people and infrastructure.
In Scotland, the southern village of Greycook saw the highest recorded temperature of 32.9C in 2003.
The Met Office has issued a more extreme 'red warning' covering parts of England where temperatures of 40C have been forecast for the first time.
Met Office five-day forecast
Monday:
Dry with patchy cloud and sunny periods, although there is the risk of a shower and rumble of thunder in eastern England at first and then in west and north later. Becoming hot, but very hot for England and Wales.
Monday night:
Very warm and generally fine, but some showers in the north and northwest, with heavier showers into far southwest later.
Tuesday:
Exceptional and record breaking heat for much of England, Wales and parts of Scotland. Thundery showers in the southwest and a few further north later. Rain in far northwest.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday:
Warm Tuesday night, then change to cooler weather on Wednesday, accompanied by thundery rain in places. Fine with a few showers on Thursday and Friday. Risk thundery rain far south.
